The Golf Alltrack follows in the footsteps of the Passat Alltrack which first went on sale in the UK in 2012 and closes the gap between the on-and off-road worlds, both visually and technically. It features a standard 4MOTION all-wheel drive system, higher ground clearance and is styled to match its off-road credentials with flared wheelarches and side sills for added protection, as well as newly designed bumpers.  Three engines are available for UK customers and all are familiar from the Golf range. These comprise a 1.6-litre TDI 110 PS, 2.0-litre TDI 150 PS and 2.0-litre TDI 184 PS (available with DSG gearbox only).

Safety is high on the agenda, with a full five-star rating from Euro NCAP and all cars are kitted out with seven airbags, ABS with ESP and a plethora of electronic safety assistance systems.

Inside the overall fit, finish and quality of cabin materials is very high. The Alltrack’s interior is based on the Golf Estate GT and features Alcantara and cloth sports seats, ambient lighting and gloss black decorative inserts - making the interior feel especially inviting. The colour touchscreen infotainment system incorporating (Discover) satellite navigation can be commended for its intuitive functionality and connectivity, although CD sound quality from the eight speaker audio system is only average. Having said that, a fabulous Dynaudio upgrade is available as a cost option.

In terms of appearance, the Golf Estate closely follows the sharp lines of the Golf hatchback model, although the extra space between the C-pillar and the D-pillar result in a 307mm longer body than that of the hatchback. Standard equipment on all Golf Estate models includes roof rails, electric rear windows and remote rear-seat backrest release in the boot, which boasts a 605 litre capacity - considerably bigger than the 505 litres found in the previous Golf Estate - but still five liters shy of its closest competitor, the Skoda Octavia Estate. Loading items is made easier by a low load lip and a wide flat multi-level floor, featuring useful underfloor cubbies, along with somewhere to stow the luggage cover when not in use.

The combination of the 15 mm higher ground clearance, ‘Off-road’ driving profile and 4MOTION four-wheel drive system (complete with hill descent control) give the Golf Alltrack off-road driving abilities, especially when the ‘Off-road’ driving profile is selected. This also makes for an ideal towing vehicle, designed to handle trailer loads of up to 2,000 kg (braked on 12 per cent incline).

On the road the Golf Estate Alltrack still drives like a regular Golf, giving you a drive that’s enjoyably engaging when you’re in the mood, yet relaxing and comfortable the rest of the time. You’d be hard pressed to tell that the engine was an oil-burner, such is the level of refinement, and the ride is composed and pliant.

This 150PS 2.0 TDI 4MOTION musters a 0-62mph time of 8.9 seconds, although in practice it feels quicker and while the six-speed manual gives greater economy, the six-speed DSG auto gearbox is a delight to use and proves quick-witted enough to exploit the engine’s generous 236 lb ft of torque, meaning overtaking can be accomplished with confidence .


Verdict:

The Alltrack model gives the well-regarded Golf Estate genuine light off-road ability. Factor in top-notch comfort and refinement, low running costs, a wide selection of engine and transmission choices - along with class-leading build quality - and you have a compelling four-wheel-drive alternative for buyers who don’t want a bulkier SUV.

Tech spec:

VW Golf Estate Alltrack 2.0-litre 4MOTION 150PS
OTR Price: £28,615
Max Power: 150 PS @3,500-4,000 rpm
Max Torque: 340Nm @ 1,750-3,000 rpm
Max Speed: 129mph
Acceleration: 0-62 in 8.9 seconds
Claimed MPG (combined): 58.9
CO2 emissions: (g/km) 125
Insurance group: 17E